The Nutraceutical Promise of Phaseolus vulgaris L.: Bioactive Compounds for Health Promotion and Prevention of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases

Dietary habits are pivotal in preventing chronic noncommunicable diseases, as vegetable-rich diets provide over 25,000 bioactive phytochemicals that modulate cell-signaling and metabolic pathways. Consequently, nutraceuticals and functional foods are increasingly recognized for their potential to prevent chronic pathologies. Among functional foods, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) stands out as a critical resource for global nutrition and disease prevention. Beyond its role in food security and environmental sustainability, the common bean offers extraordinary nutrient density, providing a unique "protein plus fiber" package and a source of health-promoting active ingredients. In this review, special emphasis is placed on the bean's role in preventing or mitigating cardiovascular diseases and cancer, driven by bioactive molecules that modulate metabolic and cell-signaling pathways. Practical evidence of this growing interest is demonstrated by the surge in scientific literature over the last 50 years, as shown by PubMed and Scopus data. By synthesizing data from original research and existing reviews, this work highlights how incorporating common beans into the diet represents a strategic, health-conscious choice with potential therapeutic benefits for human health.